Wednesday 25 November 2009

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DYNAMICS OF CONSTITUTION MAKING IN NEPAL IN POST-CONFLICT SCENARIO

15-17 January 2010, Kathmandu, Nepal

Organized by: Nepal Constitution Foundation (NCF)
Tribhuvan University Faculty of Law
Supreme Court Bar Association


CONTENTS
Conference Background
Objective
Expected Output
Conference Format
Risk and Variables
Financial Support
Call for Papers
Resource Persons
Participating Nepalese Experts
Tentative Programme
Conference Venue
Guest Accommodation
Travel Information
Social Events
Secretariat of Conference and contact details

Please hit on the 'older posts' at the bottom of each page to go to the next page.

Background

The work towards writing a new constitution for Nepal is at its peak. Nepal's Constituent Assembly (CA) in its revised calendar states that the complete preliminary draft of the new constitution will be out by the end of December 2009.

The Constituent Assembly has allocated about two weeks in January 2010 for public to discuss the draft at different levels, and suggest inputs/comments on the draft for its improvement. This will be a most crucial period for the members of the Constituent Assembly, Nepalese experts and stakeholders, including the international community supporting the constitution building and peace process from outside. It is precisely the time to study the proposed draft in its entirety, examine them in different perspective - social, political and institutional, and suggest its revision, where necessary. In this process, the role of the constitutional experts, both local and international, to help improve it as a qualitative constitutional framework becomes meaningful. It is the experts, rather than politicians, who can help the Assembly identify technical and substantive gaps on the draft at this stage, and suggest timely revision in order to bring in the draft constitutional text in compliance with international democratic standards, and the lasting principles of constitutionalism.

With a view to establishing both national legitimacy and international acceptability to the draft prior to its promulgation, it is essential to enable prominent international as well as Nepalese constitutional experts and practitioners, who have been closely watching the developments taking place in Nepal, to make their comments on key constitutional issues and technicalities involved. Such a review of the draft by recognized international experts at a time when the people of Nepal would be engaged in offering public comments to get a sense of their ownership on the Constitution, will allow CA members an opportunity to revisit the whole document as they have been proposed. It will also provide the political stalwarts patronizing the Assembly an opportunity to focus on issues that must be reconsidered at this level. Examination of the draft by internationally well-known experts will also help develop appropriate implementation tools as well. Moreover, such examinations by independent international experts with a varied experience in different countries will help generate consensus amongst political parties on many contentious constitutional issues, such as devolution of power and forms of governance that Nepalese experts are yet to develop their expertise on. The international meet of this kind will allow Nepalese scholars to build partnership with international scholars for future purposes. This proposal thus aims to organize a forum in Kathmandu in the form of an international conference to be participated by both the national and international constitutional experts.

In its current set up, the Constituent Assembly of Nepal does not have a constitutional expert group as one of its organs. It stands as a whole as a political assembly only. As such, such a forum is very important to fill the gap, although from outside, and compensate the Assembly process in ways as suggested above.

Conference Objective

Overall Goal:

The overall goal of organizing an international conference is to help induct democratic norms, values and procedures in the new constitution, and contribute to the institutionalization of principles of constitutionalism and rule of law to resolve conflict and permanently establish peace in Nepal.

Immediate objective:

• Improve the quality of the new constitutional draft and its technical and conceptual soundness through inputs from prominent national and international experts;

• Enable CA members and key political and civil society leaders, especially from Constitutional and other technical committees of CA, benefit from comparative experiences through their direct interactions with constitutional scholars and practitioners of international reputation about constitutional issues of Nepal's interest and concern;

• Embolden jurisprudential/theoretical foundation and democratic contents of the draft Constitution to international standards by bridging the identified conceptual gaps through open debates and deliberations;

• Offer opportunity to the international community to understand and appreciate the dynamics of Nepal’s post-conflict country situation and areas of special needs that need to be addressed by the constitutional framework through appropriate choice of or reforms in the form of governance and devolution structure;

• Sensitize CA members, political actors and the common people about comments and feedback on the nature and contents of the new Constitution and its implementation tools as received from technical experts from within and without.

Expected Output

• Technically and democratically sound Constitution produced

• Consensus on key constitutional issues and their solutions under the draft constitution

• Comparative comments and feedbacks from impartial technical experts and stakeholders on the draft Constitution achieved

• Resource materials useful for interpreting the Constitution documented and compiled

• Political leaders and CA members directly interact with and receive critical analyses and appreciation from prominent constitutional experts and practitioners participating in the conference on the key constitutional issues, including contentious issues like forms of governance, devolution, electoral processes, aspects of social inclusion, etc.

• Constitutional foundation for institutionalization of the peace process laid down

• Sufficient opportunity for international inputs and creation of grounds for international acceptability of the constitutional draft

• Networking of experts of fifteen countries

Conference Format

As the purpose of getting outside experts in is to contribute to the Constitution, the organizers want the experts to engage directly with the draft constitution. As such, both Nepali and English versions of the comprehensive text of the draft Constitution of Nepal will be timely made available to all participating Nepali and international experts for their reference, and each of the experts will be asked to prepare their comments and recommendations for improvement on the draft in areas of his/her expertise and interest, before the conference starts. Some of the experts with such comments and recommendation will be requested to present their papers in the Conference to stimulate discussion.

In case, the Constitutent Assembly of Nepal is not able to deliver a draft constitution according to the current schedule, as expected by the organizing committee, the participants will still be provided with the preliminary drafts of all thematic committees at the Constituent Assembly in lieu of a consolidated complete draft to go through the process as highlighted above. All comments and recommendations including the papers received will be submitted to the Constituent Assembly for its consideration after the Conference.

As of November 25, seven major reports contributing to the draft constitution are already made public by the following thematic committees of the Constituent Assembly, which will more or less form the basis for the new constitution, subject to the approval/change by the full House of the Assembly. The Committees which have already produced the reports (which includes concept and preliminary draft) are the following:

(1) Committee on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
(2) Committee on Protection of Fundamental Rights of Minority and Marginalezed Communities
(3) Committee on Judicial System
(4) Committee on Determination of the structure of Constitutional Bodies
(5) Committee on Determination of Bases for Cultural and Social Solidarity
(6) Committee on the Preservation of National Interest
(7) Committee on the form of legislative organ
(8) Committee on Division of Natural Resources, Financial Powers and Revenues
(9) Constitutional Committee (to cover issues not to be covered by other Committees)

Two reports are still on the pipeline. They are expected from:

(10) Committee on Determination of the Form of Government

(11) Committee on State restructuring and Distribution of State Powers (It works for the federalization/devolution of powers)

The Constitutional Committee is the principal drafting committee in the Constituent Assembly, which will have to organise all reports cleared by the full house into a viable constitutional draft. But then, as stated above, it is also responsible for preamble and other issues that are not covered by the thematic committees.

On the first day of the conference introductory events will be organized for familiarization and information exchange of views amongst participants, including international experts, CA members, political actors, civil society leaders and other stakeholders.

For two days, extensive and intensive group interactions will be organized and deliberations and discussions on the key constitutional issues materialized and recorded. On the sideline, special sessions and meetings of selected international experts with key leaders of major political parties and CA members will be arranged to enable political actors clarify key issues of concern through independent and highly qualified and experienced scholars of global prominence with familiarity of Nepal and its special features.

Prominent constitutional experts and practitioners from developed and developing countries, including Asia and Pacific regions with experiences of post-conflict dynamics and challenges will assemble to share comparative experiences and provide their inputs. Amongst the invited experts will be those with expertise in different aspects of federalism, forms of governance, human rights, electoral process, judiciary, etc as well.

Under the overall theme of the conference, following five major sub-themes will be categorized for streamlining the whole exercises:

• Salient features and basic constitutional principles of the new Constitution
• System of governance and institutional framework (including electoral process)
• Restructuring of State and devolution of power under the federal design
• Social justice and justice delivery mechanism
• Human rights and accountability institutions (including political parties)

The overall deliberations in the conference will have gender and social inclusion used as cross-current issues in order to ensure that the new Constitution is gender and diversity friendly.

After the conference: After the conference a team of national experts will help -

• revise the draft constitutional text

• develop explanatory notes

• keep in touch with the international experts, who contributed to the conference, and take their inputs where necessary

• submit the revised draft to the CA Constitutional Committee

• share the revised draft with all political parties represented at the CA

• respond to necessary queries coming from the constitution makers on the draft thereby submitted

• involve the constitutional experts even in the post-submission phase for their contribution

• publish the proceedings and necessary notes after the promulgation of the new constitution


Conference report and documents will also be archived on the internet for future reference while implementing and interpreting the new Constitution.

The organizing committee is expecting the graceful presence of President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice and Chairman of the CA at the event.

Risk and Variables

We do not foresee security risk to the Conference or its participants.

Political instability leading to abrupt street protest and closure of the market and transportation may obstruct the organization of events. However, prior negotiations with political parties will be made in order to avert this risk and ensure that the week covering the conference dates, 10-12 January 2010, are left unhindered.

Availability of desired resource persons for the conference dates, despite positive indications given by several international experts with interest in Nepal, may prevent us to ensure their presence. While we see the possibility, we are convinced that we will have the important resource persons so important for this project.

Financial support

There is no conference registration fee for the participants. In order to make sure that the conference is participated by as many international experts as possible, the Nepal Constitution Foundation is offering free grand reception in the evining of January 15, free lunch on 16th and 17th and all tea and snacks served during the conference sessions. Similarly, the Foundation shall also provide free transportation to the hotel for the arriving guests on 14th and 15th January at the airport, and also on January 18th, when they return. The rest of the cost including air fare and accommodation will have to be borne by the guest himself or herself.

Interests have been expressed by a couple of donor agencies and international organizations to support the event in different ways - financially as well as by sponsoring the visit of constitutional experts, who are supposed to present a paper. In no case, however there is any plan to offer rumeration to anybody for paper writing or participation.

Call for Participation and Papers

The Conference is open for 40 nternational participants and 60 Nepalese constitutional experts and Constituent Assembly members.

We hereby extend our invitation to scholars and experts to express their interest to write papers on the draft Constitution for the Conference. There is room for presentation of 11 papers. One paper on the following each subject:

(1) Fundamental rights and directive principles
(2) Rights of minority and marginalezed communities
(3) Independence of judiciary
(4) Status and structure of constitutional bodies
(5) Constitutional bases for cultural and social solidarity
(6) Committee on the preservation of national interest
(7) The form of the legislative organ of the state
(8) The form of government
(9) Federalism and/or devolution of power
(10)Allocation of natural resources, financial powers and revenues in federalization/local self-government context
(11)Other parts of a modern constitution

The deadline for sending the abstracts of papers in English is December 25, 2009. Each abstract is proposed to have about 800 to 1,000 English words, which will be translated and printed in both Nepali and English as Conference documents. The deadline for submitting full papers in English is January 5, 2010. There is no size limit. Please see the "Conference format" above for basic guidelines.

All abstracts and papers for the Conference will be published on the conference website to be designed later so that more time could be devoted to discussions rather than presentation at the Conference sessions. If you disagree to publish your abstract and/or full paper on the website, you have the choice to clarify this point when you make your submission.

Any participant, Nepalese or international willing to circulate their comments, recommendations or papers in the conference are most welcome. Such comments, recommendations, and papers must be submitted by January 05, 2010.

The Conference language is English. Simultaneous interpretation between Nepali and English will be provided for the plenary sessions.

Papers and abstracts are to be sent on nepal.constitution.foundation@gmail.com.

Resource Persons (proposed and some of them approached)

Hon'ble Bob Rae, Canada, MP and Former Prime Minister of Ontario/Former President of Forum of Federations

Professor Cheryl Saunders, Australia, Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne and the founding Director of its Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies

Mr George R.M. Anderson, Canada, Forum of Federations Headquarters, Ottawa, Ontario

Professor Wiktor Osyetinski, Poland, Constitutional Expert

Professor Thio Li-ann, Singapore, Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore

Professor Jie Cheng, China, Tsinghua University Law School, Beijing

Professor Yash Pal Ghai, Kenya, Professor Emeritus of Constitutional Law and Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong

Professor Steven Greer, United Kingdom, School of Law, University of Bristol, Bristol

Professor Rohan Edrisinha, Sri Lanka, University of Colombo, Faculty of Law

Dr Hashim Mohammed Tewfik, Ethiopea, Institute of Federalism, Addis Ababa

Dr. Jill Cottrell, United Kingdom, Former Professor of Law, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong

Professor Wang Zhenmin,China, College of Law, Tsinghua University, Beijing

Professor Jiunn-rong Yeh, Taiwan, Public Law Research Centre, College of Law, National Taiwan University, Taipei

Justice Pekka Hallberg, Finaland, President of the Supreme Administrative Court

Dr Hashim Mohammed Tewfik, Ethiopea,Institute of Federalism, Addis Ababa

Mr Alexander Wegener, Germany, Inter-Republic, Berlin

Professor Paul Flodman, United Kingdom, Open University

Professor Nicole Topperwien, Switzerland

Dr. Larry Taman, Canada, Jurist

Dr. Marcus Brand, Austria, Constitutional Expert

Dr. Mario Gomez, Sri Lanka, Constitutional Expert, Member, Law Commission of SriLanka

Professor Jie Cheng, China, Tsinghua University Law School, Beijing

Ms Menaka Guruswamy, India, Advocate, New Delhi

Professor Satya Arinanto, Indonesia, Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia,
Jakarta

Professor John Pace, Australia, University of New South Wales

Markus Boeckenfoerde, Germany, Comparative Constitutional Law Expert,International IDEA, Stockholm

We are very keen to make the Conference a forum of constitutional experts with expertise in the development of constitutionalism in post-conflict scenario. This list will be updated soon.

Participating Nepalese Experts Working Abroad

Apart from Constituent Assembly (CA) members, local constitutional experts and some Nepalese constitutional legal specialists working abroad are also expected to participate in the Conference. The list will be posted here soon.

To enhance better interaction between professors and students, we are also calling for students who are interested in participating at the conference. Potential responsibilities includes hosting and accompanying foregin scholars and non-presenting participants, and possible administrative work. We strongly encourage Tribhuvan University post-graduate law students, those who specialize in constitutional law in particular, to take part in this scarce and extraordinary event. Please send personal particulars such as name, affiliation, contact method, and any other individual experience you consider benefical to the Nepal Constitution Foundation, and we will be in touch shortly.

Tentative Programme

October - November 2009: Preparatory Period for the Secretariat and Organizing Committee

6-14 January 2010: Preparation for Programming the Conference and Welcome Arrangement

15 January 2010: Conference registration at Conference Venue
Opening of the Conference by President of Nepal, Rt Hon'ble Ram Varan Yadav (Proposed)

Opening statements

Introduction of international and national resource persons, donors and sponsors

Welcome reception to resource persons and delegates by the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Rt Hon'ble Subhash Chandra Nemwang (proposed)

16-17 January 2010: Plenary Sessions and Keynote Speeches

Group interactions on thematic sessions (five identified themes to discuss drafts)

Reporting on the achievements and follow up actions

Interactions of international resource persons with political actors on the sidelines

Closing session in the presence of the Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt Hon'ble Madhav Kumar Nepal(proposed)

18 January 2010: International experts join social events, a couple of them continue meeting political actors, and some depart

Conference Venue

The Venue of the Conference is the Regal Ballroom at the convention center at Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu:

The center is the dramatic amalgamation of state-of-the-art technology with the regality of Nepal's 19th-century Rana architecture which is the hall mark of the Yak & Yeti. The hall is acoustically tuned with insulated and collapsible walls. It also features the latest in banquet facilities, comprehensive secretarial backup, personalised service and professional technical support.

Accommodation

All our participants are expected to board at the Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu. This is the Conference venue as well. The website of the hotel is http://www.yakandyeti.com/home/index.php

This hotel is a premier five-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. Modern day sophistication greets cultural heritage in the ample grounds of the 100-year-old palace and newly designed structure of the hotel. Find refuge among antique fountains, gilded temples and emerald gardens as you remain just moments away from all the shops and adventure of the Kathmandu city, located at Durbar Marg.

A 120-room hotel with 5 star amenities started it’s operation in 01st September, 1977. After a successful run of 12 years, the need was felt to enhance the hotel’s size and facilities.

Now an extension of 150 deluxe rooms and suites have been built (designed to harmonize with the special features of the Lal Durbar) to supplement the existing accommodation, bringing the total number of rooms available in the hotel to 270 rooms.

Along with the construction of the new (Durbar) wing, a brand new porte-cochere, lobby, a new lobby bar, shopping arcade, an atrium, a second swimming pool and two tennis courts have also been constructed, whilst the Café Restaurant has been extended and upgraded, along with the refurbishment of the existing guest room wing. Following this renovation program is the inclusion of a brand new Club Nirvana Fitness Center complete with state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa. Hotel Yak & Yeti has a comprehensive Business Centre and is the first hotel in Kathmandu offering a much sought after exclusive Executive floor and Club Shangri-La. Facilities on this floor include 24-hour butler service, a private lounge for breakfast and cocktails, a boardroom, and in-room outlets for fax machines and computers, which can be rented.

With the historic character of the hotel and the new and upgraded facilities, the Yak & Yeti will continue to be the city’s leading luxury business and leisure hotel. Although it is an ultra modern hotel, the traditional Nepali architectural features have been preserved.

Some of the display carved windows are more than 200 years old. It captures the old charm and style of Kathmandu, while providing the international quality standards of accommodation and dining facilities.

The embodiment of history, legend and tradition, the Hotel Yak and Yeti is a perfect blend of contemporary international standards and time-honored tradition. Explore Nepal's rich cultural heritage while finding solace in the luxurious comfort of this former Rana Palace.

Rest in the neo-classical Lal Durbar or Red Palace, built more than a century ago by the then Prime Minister Bir Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana. A centerpiece of the Yak and Yeti's impressive hotel, the meticulously restored, Lal Durbar now houses two historic restaurants, banquet rooms, a grand ballroom and casino. Comfortably manicured rooms, striking Himalayan views, and its premier location make the Yak and Yeti an obvious destination for business and for travel.

Yak & Yeti's 270 rooms and suites have been carefully appointed to the highest degree of comfort and convenience. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, International Direct Dial telephones, color television and a fully stocked mini bar.

Special tariffs and rates have been negotiated for our distinguished participants. Please fill up online reservation form at http://www.yakandyeti.com/home/index.php and refer to this conference and Mr Surendra C.Thakuri []- the officer in charge for this project on behalf of the hotel. Please refer to the Nepal Constitution Foundation Conference booking in your note.

Travel Information

Nepal's only international airport is located in it's capital, Kathmandu. There are some direct flights from Seol, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Lhasa, New Delhi, Karanchi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other renown cities. There are few direct flights from Europe, which means most travellers have to change aircraft and/or airline on route. Another option is to fly directly to Delhi in India and then go in by land, visiting parts of India on the way.

Traveling by land from India into Nepal can be an experience on it's own. There are three main entry points: Sunauli-Bhairawa, Birganj-Raxaul Bazaar and Kakarbhitta-Siliguri. The easiest way to cross them is by tourist buses from appropriate Indian cities. If you are flying to Delhi, you can enter Nepal quickly through the Mahendrenagar-Banbassa crossing, but the recommended route is to travel first to Varanasi in India, and there cross through Sunauli-Bhairawa.

The crossing between Nepal and Tibet via Kodari is open to organized groups but not to individual travelers. Howver, the rules concerning this has recently been changing very often, so contacting a Nepali based tour operator is strongly advised. Be prepared with alternative plans if you're thinking about using this route, because landslides regularly make it impassable during the monsoon.

New visa rule is applied for tourist in Nepal effective from 16 July 2008. Tourists who visit Nepal must hold valid passport and visa.

A. Entry

Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices in Nepal:

• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu • Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)

• Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
• Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
• Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
• Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
• Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

B. Tourist Visa
Visa.......... Facility ........Duration....... Fee

Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

C. Tourist Visa Extension

• Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
• Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).

D. Gratis (Free) Visa

• Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.
• Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

E. Transit Visa

Transit visa for one day can be obtained from Nepal's immigration offices at the entry points upon the production of departure flight ticket via Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US $ 5 or equivalent convertible currency.
For further information, please, contact Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Impact Building, Kathmandu, Tel:00977-1-4221996 / 4223590 / 4222453,
web site: www.immi.gov.np

Custom Formalities

Custom

All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. People arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Import

Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring the following articles free of duty under the condition that you take them back with you when you leave: binocular, video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.

Export

The export of antiques require special certification from the Department of Archeology in Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu. It is illegal to export objects like sacred images, paintings, manuscripts that are over 100 years old because they are valued for cultural and historical reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here.

For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office (Phone: 977 + 4470110, 4472266).

Social Events Following the Conference

The Conference does not have officially arranged social events. But we will be glad to help you by way of information and advise should you want to continue to stay in Nepal as a tourist. You are most welcome to contact OSCAR TRAVELS in Kathmandu [Attn: Suraj Subedi] directly for any arrangement that you might need. Copy nepal.constitution.foundation@gmail.com [Attn: Yogita Rai] when you do so.

The Lonely Planet travel guides states: "Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is where the ice-cold of the mountains meets the steamy heat of the Indian plains. It's a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas and some of the best trekking on earth. The Himalaya's most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great minikingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur - home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.

Behind the Vishnu shrine of Ichangu Narayan, northwest of Swayambhunath in the Kathmandu Valley, rises the 'Abode of Snows' (Himalaya in Sanskrit), a magnet for trekkers and mountaineers the world over. Only in Nepal can you trek for weeks without the need even for a tent. No longer does your name have to be Tenzing or Hillary to set foot in Everest Base Camp. Out of the mountains, get your adrenaline kick from world-class white-water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking, or from the spine-tingling sight of your first tiger or rhino in Chitwan National Park.

Nepal is not just a bungee-jumping, apple-pie eating Shangri-la. It's also one of the poorest countries on earth. However, many visitors, drawn to Nepal by the promise of adventure, leave equally enchanted by the friendliness and openness of the Nepali people.

From the natural rhythm you ease into on a trek to the rhythm of a tabla drum at one of Kathmandu's palace restaurants, Nepal is an amazingly diverse country that offers something for everyone. One journey through this land is rarely enough. The first thing many people do after a visit is start planning the next one."

Visit http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal for more.

Even if trekking is not your interest, there are several places close by that you can visit to make your trip memorable:

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a very comfortable and quite place situated 32 km east of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 2175m above sea level. It is a popular hill destination of Nepal and is the famous for sunrise, sunset and mountain views. Five of the world's 10 tallest Mountains, Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8463m) and Manaslu (8163m) along with many other summits are visible from here. The place is surrounded by the terraced hillside and beautiful scenery.

Namobuddha

Namobuddha is situated on a hill above Panauti near Bhaktapur. You can reach it after an easy drive or good walk. There is an amazing story related to the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. According to the legend, one of the earlier Buddha offered his own flesh to a tiger unable to feed her hungry cubs. It can also be reached after a three hour trekking from Dhulikhel through a number of small villages.

Kirtipur

Kirtipur is a small town located eight kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a ridge. Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s oldest University, sits at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer, including ancient shrines, temples, traditional houses, and villagers dressed in traditional clothes weaving on hand looms.

Dakshinkali

The Dakshinkali temple is 20 km South of Kathmandu. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of power and energy, Kali, and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu. Animal sacrifices are made on Tuesday and Saturday in Dakshinkali.

Bhudanilkantha

Eight kilometers north of Kathmandu is a remarkable, colossal statue of lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes. The fifth-century statue lies in the middle of the small Budhanikantha pond and is a place of pilgrimage for all Hindus. It is also the scene of great activity during festivals such as Haribodhini Ekadasi and Kartik Poornima. An interesting feature of this shrine is that the reigning King of Nepal should not visit the spot according to an old tradition.

Shivapuri

Shivapuri provides most of the water that comes to the Kathmandu Valley and the hills around it. The wildlife sighting here is also excellent as the Shivapuri National Park has access to wider lands and areas behind the Kathmandu Valley. You may also wish to visit the Buddhist monastery set high on the hill.

Daman

For a view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peaks from the far west of Dhaulagiri to the east of Mt. Everest, there is no better place than Daman. It lies eighty kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the highway known as Tribhuvan Rajpath and has a view tower fitted with a long range telescope.

Gorkha

This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage).

It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular.

Manakamana

On a beautiful ridge south-east of the township of Gorkha lies the holy temple of Manakamana, a temple dedicated to Manakamana mai, the goddess of aspirations. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus. Manakamana is a four hour walk uphill from Aabu Khaireni on Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway. It can also be reched by a cable car ride.

Tansen

If visitors are wondering which place in the country would give them a taste of everything, we suggest that they give Tansen a try. Tansen is a small town of approximately twenty thousand people. It is on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini, and it is not very far from the Chitwan National Park.

Located 4,300 meters above sea level, on the south flank of Srinagar Hill, the greatest attractions of this town are its ancient culture, friendly people, excellent mountain views, and, above all, its serene atmosphere. The weather remains moderate throughout the year, and it is a pleasant place to visit in any season.

Pokhara

Pokhara is 200 km to the west of Kathmandu and easily accessible by road and air from Kathmandu. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Nepal. From Pokhara, you can encounter the snow peaks of the Himalayas up close without having to go on a trek. Pokhara gives the spectacular view of the Annapurna range, and Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri mountains.

Three major lakes of Nepal, Phewa Lake, Begnes lake and Rupa lake are in Pokhara. The other main attractions of Pokhara are Barahi temple, Bindabasini temple, Mahendra cave, Davie's fall, Seti Gorge etc.

Health And Insurance
Medical Services

Medical facilities in Kathmandu Valley are sound. The services of major general hospitals and private clinics are available. All kinds of medicines, including ones that need to be imported are available in Kathmandu. Health posts have been set up by the government in different parts of rural Nepal. However, facilities are not comparable to those found in Kathmandu Valley.

Insurance

A travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss and medical treatment is recommended. Make sure the insurance also covers the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking, rafting, etc.

Immunization

Visitors do not need any particular immunization for visit. Vaccinations for cholera, meningitis, tetanus and diphtheria, typhoid and gamma globulin should, however, be considered. It may be a good idea to get a complete check-up before departure

Medical Kit

A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful while traveling. The following items are recommended: Aspirin for pain or fever; a decongestant for colds, allergies and to help prevent motion sickness; Antibiotics must be prescribed; Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), for stomach upsets; Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhoea; Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar 'dry' spray - for cuts and grazes.

Other Things to Include are

Calamine lotion to ease irritation from bites or stings, bandages and band aids for minor injuries, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, insect repellent, sun block lotion, chopsticks, water-purification tablets, throat lozenges (Strepsils), moleskin, eye drops, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol, Antacid tablets).

International Communications are available in Kathamndu, Pokhara, and even in remote villages on main trekking routes. Internet telephone options are also available

Internet Service

Internet connections are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and email is possible on some trekking routes, such as in Namche Bazaar near Everest

Post

Post service is good, except for land packages which go through India and might get lost on the way. Many international Postal Services such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL are operational in Kathamandu.

Electricity

Electricity in Nepal is 220V/50Khz.

Security for visitors

Tourist Police was established in 1979 under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The special unit has been designated the task of providing security to visitors. The team of Tourist Police consists of officers who can speak and understand English and Hindi. They register complaints, investigate matters, provide protection and safety to tourists. They also try to ensure hassle-free trip for visitors and assist tourists when necessary. There are three units of Tourist Police forces in Kathmandu. While the main office is at the Tourist Service Center in Bhrikuti Mandap(Phone: 4247041, 4247037), the other two are in tourist areas Thamel (Phone: 4429750) and Basantapur(Phone: 44268969).

Here are some tips on how visitors who intend to stay here for sometime can remain safe:

Inform your where abouts immediately upon arrival to the local police or concerned embassy or consulate. Use the services of government registered travel and trekking agencies only. Stay only at government registered hotels, resorts, guest houses and lodges. Use only those porters who are authorized by your travel agency or hotel. Exchange foreign currency only at authorized places. Never carry your wallet in the back pocket. Make sure your wallet is in the inside jacket pocket or side pocket of the trousers.

Carry certified copies of documents and leave the originals and other valuables in the safe deposit box of your hotel. Never leave these items unattended in your room.
Do not carry large sums of cash. Carry travelers' cheques and limited amount of cash while on tour.

Never leave your luggage and other valuables unattended at any time, any place.
In case of theft or loss contact the nearest police station immediately.

Weather in Kathmandu during January:

\Please note that the month of January falls under the winter season in Nepal. Kathmandu is at 1350 meters. The night temperature could go down to O Celcius. Mostly, the temprature is between 18 degree celcius to 6 degree celcius. Between October to February, woolen sweaters, jackets or similar other warm outfits are necessary.

The weather in Nepal not only depends on the time of year, but also on the altitude of he places you are visiting. The width of Nepal is only about 200km on average, but within this short distance, the altitude of the land ranges from lowly 60 meters all the way up to above 8000 meters, and temperature change accordingly. Contact us if you need more information.

Secretariat of Conference

Please visit the website regularly for the latest news and updates.

Contact the Secretariat of Conference by the following details:

Dr. Surya Dhungel, Nepal Consulting Lawyers, Inc (Convenor)
Dr Bipin Adhikari, Chairperson, Nepal Constitution Foundation (NCF)

Organizing Committee

Dr. Surya Dhungel, Nepal Consulting Lawyers, Inc (Convenor)
Professor (Dr) Amber Prasad Pant, Dean, Tribhuvan University Faculty of Law
Advocate Indra Prasad Kharel, President, Supreme Court Bar Association
Professor Bidya Kishor Roy, Head, Central Law Department, Tribhuvan University
Professor Kusum Saakh, Associate Professor of Law, Tribhuvan University Faculty of Law
Gehendra Lal Malla, General Secretary, Society for Constitutional and Parliamentary Exercises (SCOPE)
Phurpa Tamang, Advocate and Social Activist, Rasuwa
Sombhojen Limbu, Advocate, Asian Law Firm and Research Center
Bhagwat Chaudhary, Member, Nepal Constitution Foundation (NCF)NCF)
Suresh Acharya, Chairperson, Media Initiative for Rights, Equity and Social Transformation (MIREST)
Dr Bipin Adhikari, Chairperson, Nepal Constitution Foundation (NCF)

International Conference on Dynamics of Constitution Making in Nepal in Post-conflict Scenario
Nepal Constitution Foundation (NCF)
New Plaza, Putali Sadak
Kathmandu
Nepal


Fax: 977 1 4445210
Tel: 977 1 4410624
Email: nepal.constitution.foundation@gmail.com
suryadhungel@gmail.com
lawyers_inc_nepal@gmail.com

http://www.ncfnepal.blogspot.com

Please always copy nepal.constitution.foundation@gmail.com whenever you communicate with the Conference Secretariat.

While the Convenor of the committee will provide the overall leadership, in consultation with the organizing committee, the Nepal Constitution Foundation will take the administrative, financial and management responsibility of the Conference. The Foundation will also contact donors and seek their support in this regard. It will also carry out all the logistic and communication arrangements regarding this conference and follow up activities until the promulgation of the new constitution in May 2010.

The Secretariat in coordination with the organizing and sponsoring agencies will make all conference arrangements and facilitate travels and participation of delegates, including programming, material support, food and space for the conference.

The New Spotlight newsmagazine has been appointed as the official media outlet for the Conference and related activities. It will ensure appropriate arrangements for media reporting and coverage before, during and after the conference.